The
history of San Gervasio dates back to 300-400 AD. During the period
of 1000 - 1200 AD, the Itzas dominated Cozumel, from which point they
controlled the trade between Yucatan and the region. Archaeological
evidence exists which indicates that the urban settlement model of
San Gervasio was copied from the capital of the Itza with its plazas
connected by Sacbe (white roads built by the Maya) like at Chichen
Itza, and pottery notably influenced by this culture.

San
Gervasio is a nice but unimpressive site. Allow an hour and be prepared
for a 20 peso state tax on top of the 33 peso entrance fee. This is the
first site we have ever seen this tax. We hope it is not a trend, as the
only thing that impressive about this site were the iguanas..

This
iguana was the most colorful I have ever seen. He was over 3 feet long
and not afraid of me at all. He was worth the 6 km. trip from the city
of Cozumel.

In
prehispanic days, this construction was the entrance or exit of the central
part of San Gervasio, leading to the coastal sites which were reached
by means of a Sacbe. The pilgrims and traders would reach the famous sanctuary
of the Goddess Ixchel and deposit an offering at the altar that lies in
the middle of the vaulted passageway. Here one can appreciate the kind
of vaulting used, which is shaped like an inverted staircase, common on
the east coast.

The
building that contains these hand prints is aptly named "The Little
Hands Structure." It's an unimpressive building comprised of two
rooms in which a small temple was built in the interior of one of them.
Its use could have been residential as much as ceremonial since the
interior space is quite ample. It is thought that it could have been
the house of the Itza Overlord of Cozumel during the period of 1000-1200
AD and that the inner temple was his personal shrine.

The
"Murcielagos" and Round House was the most important building
in the Late classic period in San Gervasio (600-1000 AD) since the principal
center of the site was found here in which the Overlord lived. The building
remained in use during later periods, but was no longer the center, which
was moved to the Central Plaza and subsequently, the other structures
of the group were built. The Round House is an unusual building due to
its two rounded platforms and its altar which is also round.